Taliban Appeals to Turkey for Operational Support at Kabul Airport

Representatives of the Taliban movement have approached Turkey for technical support to operate Kabul Airport, on the condition that Turkish armed forces will withdraw from Afghan territory by the end of August, similar to the forces of other countries. This was reported to Reuters by two Turkish officials.

One of the agency's sources noted that this offer has put Turkey in a difficult position. As a NATO member, Turkey still has military personnel at Kabul Airport as part of the mission in Afghanistan, who are preparing to leave soon. However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had previously stated that he could maintain a presence at the airport if requested by the Afghan side. After the Taliban established control in Afghanistan, Turkey had expressed its willingness to provide technical and security support at the airport.

“The Taliban has approached regarding the provision of technical assistance for the operation of Kabul Airport,” a senior Turkish official stated, adding that the withdrawal of Turkish troops complicates the possibility of such a mission due to security risks. Another senior official informed Reuters that a decision would be made by the Turkish side before August 31.